The World Nature Photography Awards 2024 have once again illuminated the remarkable talent and passion of photographers from around the globe. This year’s winning images celebrate the breathtaking diversity of our planet, from the stunning underwater ballet of gannets to the dramatic clash between predator and prey. Each photograph captures the essence of nature’s beauty and power, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricacies of the natural world.
Tracey Lund
Tracey Lund’s stunning photograph of two synchronized gannets in the Shetland Islands stands out as a worthy recipient of the top prize. This image is not only a testament to Lund’s skill and creativity but also a capture of a moment filled with pure grace and athleticism. The composition and timing exemplify the beauty of these birds in flight, showcasing the delicate balance between nature and artistry.
Andy Schmid (@andy.schmid). “A female orca splitting a herring bait ball while diving through it to get one, shot from underneath while freediving. Every winter, enormous schools of herring migrate from the open ocean into the fjords of Northern Norway and attract large numbers of big predators such as orcas and humpback whales. Witnessing orcas feeding on herring using the so-called carousel feeding technique is very exciting but not easy to capture due to various factors: limited light and visibility, fast-paced action plus cold surface and water temperature. Being able to freedive and capture the action on an ongoing feeding frenzy in these conditions is difficult but I managed to create a series of photos I had never dreamt of capturing
Amit Eshel. “Nubian Ibex battle on the edge of the cliff with the beautiful backdrop of Zin Desert mountains. During the rut males fur becomes darker in areas such as front chest and legs, the neck muscles thicken and they fight for the right to breed with the females. The battle usually begins with a display of the horns while tilting the head to the sides. In the second stage, if a fight develops, the males push each other as they both turn their heads and the base of their horns towards each other. If the opponents are equal, more vigorous fighting ensues as the males stand on their hind legs and strike each other. In this mode, the collisions of the horns make a loud sound that can be heard far and wide. Despite these violent fights, there is no damage to the skull, but sometimes horns are broken. Courting males seldom feed and expend much energy on fighting or mating, sometimes resulting in severe deterioration of their physical condition. I envisioned and dreamed about such kind of a image for many years since I started following and photographing the Nubian Ibex herd that live in this stunning environment. I always wanted to capture 2 adult males fighting in that exact spot by using a wide angle lens and include the beautiful desert habitat but I have never had a chance to do it until that special morning when I spotted these adults males just after sunrise on the cliff above me as they just started battling. I wanted to include the Zin valley and mountains in the image so I knew I will have to hike up and and position myself above them with the stunning backdrop. I made my way up the cliff In a careful detour trying not to spook them and slowly positioned myself closer and closer to them in order to achieve the composition and angle of sunlight I envisioned in my mind
In stark contrast, Alexander Brackx’s dramatic shot of a cheetah attacking a zebra and its foal offers a gripping portrayal of the raw realities of life in the wild. This powerful image serves as both a visual spectacle and a sobering reminder of the harsh survival struggles that define the animal kingdom. Brackx’s work forces us to confront the duality of nature—its beauty intertwined with its brutality.
Lakshitha Karunarathhna (@lakshithak) “A yellow-billed oxpecker sits on the face of an African water buffalo, trying to find parasitic ticks to eat. Oxpeckers graze exclusively on the bodies of large mammals. However, certain species are seemingly preferred – such as buffalos, elands, zebras and giraffes, whereas others, like hartebeest or topis and some smaller antelopes such as lechwe and reedbucks, are generally avoided. The least regularly used species is the impala, probably because of the heavy tick load and social nature of that species. Oxpeckers feed on ectoparasites, particularly ticks, as well as insects infesting wounds and the flesh and blood of some wounds as well. The interaction between mammals and oxpeckers is the subject of some debate and ongoing research. It was originally thought to be an example of mutualism, but recent evidence suggests that oxpeckers may be parasites instead. They do eat ticks, but often the ticks have already fed on the ungulate host and no statistically significant link has been shown between oxpecker presence and reduced ectoparasite load. Oxpeckers have been observed to open new wounds and enhance existing ones in order to drink the blood of their perches. Apart from the ticks, they also feed on the earwax and dandruff of mammals; less is known about the possible benefits of this to the mammal but it is suspected that this is also parasitic behaviour.
On a more serene note, Pavlos Evangelidis presents an idyllic photograph of Sri Lankan fishermen casting their rods against a breathtaking sunset. This image celebrates the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the beauty of tradition and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The warm hues of the sunset juxtaposed with the silhouettes of the fishermen evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence for the natural world.
Choosing a winner from among such exceptional works is undoubtedly a difficult task.
Each photographer has captured unique and captivating aspects of nature, offering diverse perspectives on its splendor. However, if pressed to select one standout piece, I would choose Tracey Lund’s photograph of the synchronized gannets. This image perfectly blends beauty, grace, and athleticism, serving as a powerful reminder of the wonders of the natural world.
